Festive spirit swept across Harpenden at the weekend as 20,000 attended the Christmas Carnival.

The event took place on Sunday (November 26) in Lydekker Park, High Street and Vaughan Road.

Entertainment, street food and "a fabulous Christmas Market" were all included, along with a pipes and drums-led procession, appearances from Father Christmas and the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Two stages featured live music from St Albans Rock Choir and the "fabulously energetic" Harpenden and Wheathamstead Gang Show cast.

Herts Advertiser: A fair ground ride at Harpenden Christmas Carnival.A fair ground ride at Harpenden Christmas Carnival. (Image: Steve Collins Photography)

A funfair was also situated along the High Street and Church Green. 

This year's theme was the "Homemade Magic of Christmas", and resulted in Brownies dressing as gingerbread people and Rainbows as snowmen.

Sixty boys and girls from Harpenden Colts Football Club also took part, bringing "plenty of smiles and waves" to the proceedings.

Herts Advertiser: Father Christmas at Harpenden Christmas Carnival.Father Christmas at Harpenden Christmas Carnival. (Image: Steve Collins Photography)

Town mayor, Cllr Fiona Gaskall, said: "The Christmas Carnival is a wonderful highlight of the town council’s events calendar.

"I always look forward to enjoying the lively, festive atmosphere and it is such a pleasure to see residents and visitors of all ages enjoying the entertainment, food and drinks, as well as doing a spot of Christmas shopping."

Harpenden resident Gill Garrett - of SA Law, sponsors of the event - added: "It’s a pleasure to contribute to the town's Christmas experience in such a positive way.

Herts Advertiser: 20,000 people attended this year's Christmas Carnival.20,000 people attended this year's Christmas Carnival. (Image: Steve Collins Photography)

"Importantly, many elements of the Carnival are free to attend and enjoy, making it an accessible and inclusive event.

"We are delighted to be supporting our community by helping to spread some festive joy.” 

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This year's Santa's Grotto was sponsored by Harpenden's Pizza Express - which has recently been refurbished.

The restaurant's general manager, Martyna Adamusik, commented: "I am proud to lead our Harpenden team.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Rock Choir performed at Harpenden Christmas Carnival.St Albans Rock Choir performed at Harpenden Christmas Carnival. (Image: Steve Collins Photography)

"From our waitress, Dovile, who has been welcoming our Harpenden customers for more than 18 years, to our Pizzaiolos Mohamed, Luis, Belkacem and Magda, who have all been with us for more than a decade, the entire team can't wait to show off our new look to customers.”